Janice Walker
Janice Walker was the owner of Springer's Store in in the early '80s with her long time love Don Munn. Don arrived on the seen at Birch Rock officially in 1983 but it was not too long after that when Janice came in as the Head Cook in '86. Janice was the camp's cook but has slowly shifted to the grounds and landscape. She does it all! She runs errands for the camp, tends to the flowers, lawns and gardens, and most importantly acts as Don's right arm. She has been a mother and grandmother to many campers and staff over the years and many that move on stay in touch with her through holiday cards or phone calls.
The 1980s
In the summer of 1986, Birch Rock needed a camp cook and Janice was perfect for the job. This meant that Don and Janice and their dog Bosco could be found in or around the lodge all day. The campers and staff would visit with Janice in the kitchen for cookies and a chat. Many of the older campers would beg to work in the kitchen with Janice because it was always fun. She knows when and how to bark orders and when to be sweet in a way that made campers and staff just adore her. Janice's blueberry coffee cake was a morning favorite and her macaroni and cheese is still cooked for the camp almost every summer to this day.
The 1990s
In mid-'90s after a couple summers off, Janice returned to work around the grounds with Don. She became the most important member of the staff. If you wanted something to get done on campus, you asked Janice. She was constantly managing the flowers, trees and lawns. In the late '90s the camp purchased a new Walker brand mower. It's as if the mower has her name on it. It is the only lawnmower on campus that nobody uses but Janice. She says, "Not that one, can't you see it has my name on it."
The 2000s
In recent years, since the lodge reconstruction in 1994, the campus has been transformed into a much more managed land. This has added to Janice landscaping workload and she works at a feverish pace to keep the place looking good. She will often recruit the help of one or two staff members or campers, who will always drop everything they are doing for Janice. Many say she is some kind of ninja by the way she works.
Don Munn & Janice were recognized together with a plaque on the lodge wall for their many summers of service.
